The Robertson Brothers took a risk when, at the beginning of the year, they went back to the drawing board and crafted a whole new tribute show – one that would either make them stand out from the crowd or fall flat with their audience. Ben and Geoff Robertson were known for their Everly Brothers tribute – something they had been doing for four years. But an idea struck Ben. Why not incorporate their Everly Brothers tribute with with another beloved trend of the the 60s – a television variety show. “In the 1960s all the singing stars had their own variety TV show,” he said. “So we decided to follow the same format and recreate a 1960s variety TV show starring the Everly Brothers who have invite Frankie Valli on as a guest. “We have recreated the features of a 1960s variety show including the old commercials and and old game show segment, which involves members of the audience.” The Robertson Brothers are one of Australia’s leading vocal duos. They have toured the world extensively with many well-known acts including The Eagles, America, John Denver, and the Electric Light Orchestra, performed at the opening ceremony of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games and are known for singing the theme song for television soap show Home and Away. This year the pair created a show that celebrates all the classic hits of the the Everly Brothers and Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. The first half of the show sees the Robertson Brothers perform as the Everly Brothers. Then, for the second half, the stage is transformed into a live television set. There are three cameras set up, a cameraman also roams around in the crowd, the Everly Brothers host the show and television advertisements play on screens. A lot of detail has gone into the authenticity of the set, Ben said. The TV ads are true to the time, and are in black and white. For the second half of the show, Simon Brook McLachlan joins the Robertson Brothers – in character as the Everyley Brothers – and takes on the persona of special guest Frankie Valli. “This was a pretty big risk for us to take but it has turned out to be the best thing we’ve done,” Ben said. “It’s really different, and it’s a real walk down memory lane for the audience members that love this music. The show will really take you back.” McLachlan is best known for his work with the Jersey Boys however, he has also starred in a number of other productions including The History Boys at Sydney Opera House. His on screen work includes roles in The Pacific and Underbelly Razor. In his role with the tribute show, he performs Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons hits like Oh What a Night, Sherry, Big Girls Don’t Cry and Can’t Take My Eyes Off You. See the classic hits concert at Wests Nelson Bay Diggers on Friday, August 10. Tickets, on sale from the club or westsnewcastle.com.au, cost $45 for members and $49 for non-members. The Examiner has one double pass to give away to the Nelson Bay show, which begins at 8pm. To win, send your name and contact number in an email titled “Classic” to portstephens@fairfaxmedia.com.au. The winner will be notified by 5pm on Wednesday, August 5.

The music of the Everly Brothers, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons heading to Nelson Bay in August

VARIETY: The Robertson Brothers, Geoff and Ben, as the Everly Brothers with Simon Brook McLachlan as Frankie Valli.

The Robertson Brothers took a risk when, at the beginning of the year, they went back to the drawing board and crafted a whole new tribute show – one that would either make them stand out from the crowd or fall flat with their audience.

Ben and Geoff Robertson were known for their Everly Brothers tribute – something they had been doing for four years.

But an idea struck Ben. Why not incorporate their Everly Brothers tribute with with another beloved trend of the the 60s – a television variety show.

“In the 1960s all the singing stars had their own variety TV show,” he said.

“So we decided to follow the same format and recreate a 1960s variety TV show starring the Everly Brothers who have invite Frankie Valli on as a guest.

“We have recreated the features of a 1960s variety show including the old commercials and and old game show segment, which involves members of the audience.”

The Robertson Brothers are one of Australia’s leading vocal duos.

They have toured the world extensively with many well-known acts including The Eagles, America, John Denver, and the Electric Light Orchestra, performed at the opening ceremony of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games and are known for singing the theme song for television soap show Home and Away.

This year the pair created a show that celebrates all the classic hits of the the Everly Brothers and Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.

The first half of the show sees the Robertson Brothers perform as the Everly Brothers. Then, for the second half, the stage is transformed into a live television set.

There are three cameras set up, a cameraman also roams around in the crowd, the Everly Brothers host the show and television advertisements play on screens.

A lot of detail has gone into the authenticity of the set, Ben said. The TV ads are true to the time, and are in black and white.

For the second half of the show, Simon Brook McLachlan joins the Robertson Brothers – in character as the Everyley Brothers – and takes on the persona of special guest Frankie Valli.

“This was a pretty big risk for us to take but it has turned out to be the best thing we’ve done,” Ben said.

“It’s really different, and it’s a real walk down memory lane for the audience members that love this music. The show will really take you back.”

McLachlan is best known for his work with the Jersey Boys however, he has also starred in a number of other productions including The History Boys at Sydney Opera House. His on screen work includes roles in The Pacific and Underbelly Razor.